May 4: Banbridge take home their third EY Champions Trophy in a row in front of a home crowd in Havelock Park following a dramatic penalty shoot-out Banbridge had to overcome league champions Lisnagarvey in their journey to retaining the title coming from behind thanks to a Peter Brown penalty stroke to eventually win the shoot-out 4-3 An intense opening quarter saw Lisnagarvey come out of the blocks quickly forcing a superb save from Luke Roleston in the opening minutes A second chance from a penalty corner came soon after with Lisnagarvey finding the net but the goal being chalked off for a foul in the build-up A rare chance for Banbridge late in the first quarter gave Adam McKee a shot on goal on his reverse but his effort went wide to leave the sides level at the break with both sides going end to end in quick breaks It was Lisnagarvey that would open the scoring though captain Andrew Williamson reacting quickest to pounce on a loose ball and find the net Garvey’s hold on the game continued into the second half Daniel Nelson providing a great opportunity for brother Ben that just failed to materialise beginning a period of ascendency that lasted for the remainder of the game Two penalty corners in quarter 3 gave them chances to draw level chances they failed to take as the first effort from Louis Rowe was blocked followed by Philip Brown’s drag flick that went wide Banbridge continued to produce chances in the final quarter A penalty corner in the 57th minute finally resulted in a positive outcome for Bann with the effort striking the Lisnagarvey defender on the goal line Peter Brown stepped up to convert the resulting penalty stroke and force a shoot-out Luke Roleston shrouded himself in glory in the shoot-out producing two huge saves to give Mark Cowan the opportunity to win it on the final Shoot-Out Cowan stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Lisnagarvey goalkeeper James Milliken to secure Banbridge’s third EY Champions Trophy title in a row Banbridge’s victory secures their place in Europe in 2025/26 with the side returning the EHL following a strong showing in the competition this season Banbridge win the EY Champions Trophy in the Shoot-Out Lisnagarvey Scorers: Andrew Williamson 35’ (FG) The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response Tributes have been paid to Zipporah Branagan, from Banbridge who are completely heartbroken at her loss The young mum has been described as a dedicated Read more: Irish woman, 23, dies in Australia days after arriving to visit sister Read more: 'We picked our son up from school with a headache - he has an inoperable brain tumour' Her husband Bernard has made a number of posts on social media paying tribute to his beloved wife saying: "Zipporah the woman with all the answers and to me you’re the wife that just kept giving Zipporah's funeral is due to take place on Saturday with the family asking for privacy in the morning prior to the service "Branagan (nee Murtagh) Zipporah passed away suddenly on 29 April 2025 "Dearly loved wife of Bernard and devoted mother of Noah Daughter of the late John and Bridie Murtagh "Zipporah's remains will be reposing at her home Banbridge (BT32 5jq) today (Thursday) from 6pm - 9pm and tomorrow (Friday) from 12 noon - 9pm Removal on Saturday at 11am for 12 noon Requiem Mass in St Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery "For those wishing to pay their respects at the family home there will be a one-way system in operation entering via the Bannfield Road (adjacent to St Cabra) and exiting via the Drumdreenagh Road "Deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband Father and mother-in-law Oliver and Margaret Branagan Brothers and sisters-in-law Eugene (Ann Marie) "House Private on Saturday morning please." Clonduff GAC, where Zipporah's husband Bernard has been heavily involved with said the club was shocked and sadden by her passing and that their thoughts and prayers were with her family at this sad time Clonduff GAC said: "We in Clonduff GAA Club are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of Zipporah Branagan, wife of our former player, former vice chair, current mentor Bernard's parents Oliver and Margaret neighbours and friends and the entire Branagan and Murtagh family circles we extend our sincerest and heartfelt sympathies You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely sad time A fundraiser has been launched in order to support the Branagan family following Zipporah's passing It said: "Help Zipporah’s husband and Seven Children After the Sudden Loss of Their Beloved Mother and Bernard’s cherished wife we share the devastating news of the sudden and unexpected passing of a loving mother to seven beautiful children and devoted wife and unwavering love were the foundation of their home and now "As the family navigate this heartbreaking new reality Family friends are hoping that as a community we can help ease their burden and offer a glimmer of stability in this incredibly difficult time every gift is a step toward helping this family feel a little less alone and a little more secure Thank you for standing with them in love and compassion in the tragic circumstances that they find themselves in." If you would like to donate to the appeal you can do so via this link. Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page A new sporting goods store has been announced as a tenant at Banbridge retail outlet The Boulevard The retail centre confirmed sports outlet Sportslocker will open tomorrow at the site Confirming it will create eight new jobs in the local area the retailer will join a host of other sporting stores at the outlet including the likes of Nike where it will boast a range of sports replica It follows on the back of the outlet welcoming NI cosmetic brand, BPerfect taking a 2,231 sq ft unit to operate its first ever outlet store with up to 90% off RRP across the brand’s iconic core ranges and seasonal bundles Watch: BPerfect open new store in Banbridge retail director at The Boulevard said: “As we look to the rest of the year there is immense excitement for welcoming new and existing customers to The Boulevard "The addition of Sportslocker will further strengthen our sports and leisure offering ahead of what will be a busy sports calendar for the summer with The Open Championship just around the corner “The Boulevard has been going from strength to strength so far this year and with the recent uptick in sales and footfall over Easter the scheme continues to hold strong against the nationwide downturn "We are delighted to welcome Sportslocker to the scheme and look forward to welcoming the new tenants we have on the horizon including Hollywood Bowl later this year.” advised by Johnstone Property Consultants and KLM Real Estate added: “The retail mix at The Boulevard is currently the strongest it has ever been and it’s wonderful to see strong interest turning into signings at the scheme.” “We are pleased to see that recently joined tenants are thriving in their new home and we wish Sportslocker the same success once they open at The Boulevard.” Margaret Canning's selection of business stories sent every Tuesday Please check your inbox to verify your details Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article Applications for the Tak£500+ project are now open and groups can receive up to an incredible £1000 for a project to benefit their area This Participatory Budget Fund encourages local residents within the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon borough to apply for funding for a project that they think will have a positive impact on their community This is the fourth year of this fantastic project so if you have an idea in mind of something that would bring value to your area and support your community especially in these increasingly difficult times There are seven information sessions taking place over the new few weeks where you can find out all you need to know “Tak£500+ is an excellent opportunity to get funding for a project in your local community and really make a difference to those living in your area I would encourage everyone to come along to one of the information sessions and see how you can benefit from this fantastic project,” commented Councillor Sarah Duffy “I have seen the difference that the Tak£500+ project has made to local communities and the incredible impact it has had across the borough This project is now in its fourth year and continuing to grow – so don’t miss out on the chance to receive up to £1000 to help benefit the residents in your area.” Both constituted groups and non-constituted groups can apply for funding to help bring an idea to life Ideas can be based on the Take 5 Ways to Wellbeing – which are a great guide to helping you to look after yourself and others during these uncertain days including keeping you connected to the people around you and encouraging communities to lean on each other Applications can be made online here: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/take500plus If you need more information or support, please contact a member of the PB Working Group who will be happy to help you. Full contact details are online or alternatively, you can email (function(){var ml="acbvt.nkh%l0om4pueydirg",mi="1<==@6D4B?:066D6F9>;0E=0F82062EDCFA1E0DF03*protected email* This project is being taken forward by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Community Planning Partnership and has been funded by a range of partners including the Public Health Agency Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Arbour Housing It has also been supported by the Community and Voluntary Panel the Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership the Policing & Community Safety Partnership A jubilant Banbridge celebrate their EY Champions Trophy success Banbridge secured their third EY Champions Trophy in a row on their home patch at Havelock Park following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Lisnagarvey League champions Garvey made them fight all the way to retain the title Bann coming from behind thanks to a Peter Brown penalty stroke to eventually win the shoot-out 4-3 with both sides going end-to-end in quick breaks It was Lisnagarvey who opened the scoring though captain Andrew Williamson reacting quickest to a loose ball and finding the net The Lisburn side’s hold on the game continued into the second half Two penalty corners in the third quarter gave them chances to draw level Banbridge's Peter Brown celebrates his goal producing two huge saves to give Mark Cowan the opportunity to win it on the final attempt The match between Banbridge and Lisnagarvey went right down to the wire one of the most anticipated musical events of the year is back in Banbridge on Saturday 14 June 2025 and buskers of all ages and genres are being asked to sign up for a chance to perform With a total prize pot of £3,500 and other exciting prizes this year’s Buskfest promises to be bigger and better than ever before Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time busker this is your chance to showcase your talent to a lively crowd in the heart of Banbridge The event is free to both buskers and visitors and offers a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere “Buskfest is one of my favourite musical days of the year and in my opinion the biggest and best celebration of busking around What makes it so special is the platform it gives performers of all kinds to step out I’m blown away by the range and quality of talent on show but it’s always inspiring and I can’t wait to see Banbridge come alive once again with music on every corner.” Registration for this year’s Buskfest is now open at buskfest.com and will close on 13 June 2025 all participating buskers must check in at the Old Town Hall between 11.30am and 1.00pm to claim their performance pitch The streets will come alive with music from 2.00pm to 5.00pm followed by the prize giving and evening concert from 5.00pm to 8.30pm in the town centre The finale will feature a stellar line-up of local talent including Banshee – last year’s overall winner – The Reilly’s Not only will buskers have the opportunity to win part of the £3,500 prize pot but they’ll also be part of an incredible celebration of music The event will feature free family-friendly activities in the afternoon Buskfest is an event that brings people together through the power of live music, and we want you to be a part of it. To register visit buskfest.com Lisnagarvey and Banbridge set up an all-Ulster EYHL Playoff Final as the sides both beat southern opposition in Saturday’s Semi-Finals Lisnagarvey eased past YMCA with a 5-2 win at Havelock Park Oliver Kidd opened the scoring in the dying stages of the first quarter when he converted with a sliding deflection from a penalty corner to give his side the lead at the first break Adam Walker converted from a YMCA corner to restore parity in the tie but they weren’t level for long as Jonny Lynch restored the Garvey lead just moments later Soon after the Garvey lead was doubled as Lisnagarvey were awarded another penalty corner with youngster John Cunningham converting with a drag flick into the bottom left corner As the final quarter got underway YMCA once again reduced the deficit with a strike from Adam Walker Matthew Nelson struck with a sensational effort before Mark McNellis sealed their final spot Banbridge booked their spot in the final with a 3-1 win over Three Rock Rovers Louis Rowe and Ben Johnson both struck early for their respective sides netting from two penalty corners to leave the sides level at the end of the first quarter it was the Ulster side who went on to control the tie with Josh Moffett striking either side of the half-time break to fire his side into a comfortable 3-1 lead in third period A second Louis Rowe effort then seemingly sealed the win for the hosts whilst a late strike from Luke Madeley proved to be a consolation for the Dubliners The final day of the EYHL playoffs saw Ulster Elks miss out on a spot in the final with a 2-0 loss to Railway Union Two strikes from Lily Lloyd and Katie Mullan sealed the win for the Dublin side who now prepare to face league champions Loreto in the final champions Cookstown celebrated lifting the title with a sensational 12-2 win over North Down Captain and top scorer Jack Haycock was the star performer for the side as he netted three penalty corners and stroke in the first half alongside efforts from Scott McCabe and Ryan Millar to give their side a 6-0 lead at the midway stage The hosts dominance continued into the second half when Haycock struck for his fifth of the afternoon picking out the top right corner with another perfectly executed drag flick Forward Greg Allen then netted the goal of the day as he latched on to an aerial into the circle before volleying over both his head and the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net Meanwhile there were also late goals for Haycock Mark Cuddy and Daniel Kerr to round of the scoring for the champions There were two consolation efforts for the visitors but with no impact on the end result they now go into their relegation playoff off the back of their heaviest defeat of the campaign family-friendly event that celebrates the rich diversity of shared cultures within our community will be taking place in Solitude Park Banbridge on Saturday 29 March from 4pm to 7pm Culture in the Park is a great way to come together and embrace the traditions and experiences that make us who we are as well as being a wonderful opportunity to build connections and explore the beauty of different cultures while celebrating the things we have in common This exciting event will feature a wide range of music crafts and lots more for everyone to enjoy and get involved in From Irish Dancing to an Afro-Caribbean Band Japanese Origami to Chinese Calligraphy as well as delicious food stalls offering a variety of flavours “I am really looking forward to Culture in the Park and it will have something for everyone to enjoy – adults and children alike!” commented Councillor Peter Haire Vice Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee “With live performances showcasing music and dance as well as interactive workshops and plenty of tasty food come along and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a day out with the family!” Banbridge’s Jonny McKee netted a hat-trick in his side's 6-0 victory over Avoca The EYHL Play-Offs have reached the Semi-Final stage with three Ulster sides involved in Finals Weekend at Havelock Park both Banbridge and Lisnagarvey are in action while Ulster Elks are the only side from the province involved in the women’s competition The first game of the weekend sees the EYHL’s second and third-placed teams go head-to-head for a spot in the Final as Banbridge take on Three Rock Rovers The hosts reached the Semi-Final stage with a 6-0 thrashing of Avoca last weekend They now prepare to face a Three Rock side who finished nine points ahead of them during the regular season In the previous two meetings the Dubliners secured a draw and a win as they narrowly missed out on the League title The other men’s Semi-Final sees a pre-emptive meeting between this year’s Irish Senior Cup finalists as Lisnagarvey take on YMCA The Ulster side finished the regular season as EYHL champions having lost just twice in 18 games and now begin their quest for European hockey next season Erroll Lutton’s side come into the weekend in fine form having won 10 of their last 11 League outings including two narrow victories over this weekend’s opponents Meanwhile the side are led by top scorer Andy Williamson who ended the season with 18 League goals including two in his last game — a 6-0 win over Corinthian Ulster Elks take on a Railway Union side who finished second in the League Joel Cathcart’s Elks progressed to the Semi-Finals with a derby day win over south Belfast side Pegasus last weekend as Anna Mollenhauer and Gabi Scott helped to seal a shootout victory following a 2-2 draw in normal time Their Dublin opponents have won each of their last five games a run of form which included a 4-0 thrashing of EYHL champions Loreto with the last time the side failed to win having been in February’s meeting with Elks That day goals from Jessica McMaster and Orla Fox saw the sides play out a 1-1 stalemate as the spoils were shared but with there having to be a winner this weekend a shootout is a likely scenario once more for the Ulster side newly-crowned champions Cookstown are set to receive their League title as they host North Down The mid-Ulster side retained their League title with a 3-2 midweek win away to Kilkeel on Wednesday evening with goals from Jack Haycock (2) and Callum Anderson and now face a struggling North Down outfit The visitors come into the game ahead of their Relegation Play-Off with NICS on Tuesday evening and have gone seven games without a win it was the reigning champions who won the reverse fixture with goals from Ethan Redford Paul Thompson and Jack Haycock sealing a 4-1 win Police are currently in attendance following a report of a suspicious object located at the Lenaderg Road area of Banbridge this morning Police are attending the incident (Stock image) Christopher LeebodyMon 14 Apr 2025 at 14:05A suspected pipe bomb has been found after a security alert in Co Down which centred on the Lenaderg Road area of Banbridge Emergency services were called to the scene after a “suspicious object” was reported in the area Detective Sergeant Stewart said: “Officers attended the scene along with Ammunition Technical Officers and the object described as a viable pipe bomb-type device was removed from the scene and taken away for further forensic examination “Our enquiries are ongoing and we appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101 Receive today's headlines directly to your inbox every morning and evening Banbridge proudly welcomed The King and Queen today (Friday 21st March) as they visited the town to celebrate its rich history Their Majesties engaged with local business owners recognising their contributions to economic growth From Banbridge’s long-standing linen industry to cutting-edge firms the visit highlighted the town’s enduring significance in both heritage and modern enterprise They also met with leaders in the creative industries including those behind the internationally renowned Game of Thrones Studio Tour A key focus of the visit was Banbridge’s tradition of multi-generational Their Majesties met with local entrepreneurs whose family-run businesses have been a cornerstone of the town’s economy for generations continue to drive investment and employment blending heritage with innovation to ensure a strong future for Banbridge’s high street and commercial sector The King and Queen also took time to speak with community groups providing vital support services and organisations dedicated to improving health and well-being Their visit highlighted the dedication of local volunteers and businesses in shaping Banbridge into a dynamic and welcoming place A key highlight of the day was an exhibition showcasing Banbridge’s industrial past and present from its deep-rooted industrial heritage to its modern role as a key hub along the Belfast-Dublin economic corridor The warmth of the welcome received by Their Majesties reflected the town’s strong sense of identity and community pride “It has been an honour and privilege to welcome Their Majesties to Banbridge Today’s visit has been a truly momentous occasion to showcase the rich heritage innovation and community spirit and it has shone a spotlight on the people and industries that make our town thrive “I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to making this visit such a success and we look forward to building on this legacy for the future.” Banbridge has taken a significant step forward in community safety with the installation of a new public-access defibrillator a vital resource that could help save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest which has been placed in a central location on Downshire Plaza at the Scarva Street junction was provided by Alderman Glenn Barr who purchased the lifesaving equipment during his time in office as Lord Mayor when the public realm scheme got underway Alderman Barr emphasised the importance of having accessible emergency medical equipment in the community he said “This defibrillator is a vital addition to Banbridge Having this life-saving device readily available will give people the best possible chance of survival and I want to commend all those involved in securing and installing this much-needed resource.” The initiative has been warmly welcomed by local businesses and community leaders Vice Chair of the Banbridge Chamber of Commerce praised the installation and its potential to safeguard lives in the town “We are delighted to see this defibrillator installed in Banbridge we all have a role to play in promoting health and safety and having this device available in a central location provides reassurance to residents We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with its location and the simple steps involved in using it in an emergency.” and its location has been registered with emergency services to ensure swift access when needed As we approach the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 08 May 2025 Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is pleased to announce a series of events dedicated to marking this pivotal moment in history From poignant ceremonies and educational exhibitions to a celebratory evening and community gatherings these events aim to honour those who served during World War II and foster a spirit of remembrance across the borough The commemorative events will begin with a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving on the eve of the anniversary Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh This poignant gathering will provide an opportunity for people to come together in reflection and gratitude A highlight of the VE Day 80th anniversary programme will be a special celebratory event which will take place at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Thursday 08 May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm this free event will feature a line-up of musical entertainment including Corcrain Flute Band and Jenny Chambers School of Speech and Drama choir Attendees will also enjoy some fish and chips – an iconic dish that was not subject to wartime rationing – before a speech by local historian Richard Edgar and a reading of a special VE Day tribute The evening will then close with a symbolic beacon lighting ceremony at Craigavon Lakes at 9.30pm The council has also organised several other initiatives to honour the significance of VE Day A VE Day flag will be raised at the council’s three civic headquarters on Thursday 08 May at 9.00am providing a visual reminder of this historic occasion an exhibition at Armagh County Museum will showcase both digital and physical archives offering visitors a window into local life during World War II The exhibition will run from Monday 05 May to Saturday 05 July The council has also demonstrated its commitment to community engagement by awarding a total of £40,000 in grants to local community groups enabling them to organise their own VE Day celebration events from Thursday 01 to Thursday 15 May 2025 “As we prepare to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day it is important that we not only reflect on the sacrifices made during World War II but also celebrate the enduring spirit of strength and resilience in our community All the events taking place across the borough are a tribute to the bravery of those who served and a reminder of the lessons we must carry forward.” To register your interest in attending the special celebratory event at the Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Thursday 08 May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, go to click here so be sure to register your attendance in advance For more information about national VE Day 80th anniversary events, visit ve80.com Improvements will enhance pedestrian accessibility creating a safer environment for everyone A new road layout will be introduced to Downshire Bridge (The Cut) Banbridge as the £6m public realm scheme nears completion following a major investment Changes to enhance pedestrian accessibility and the movement of traffic around the Downshire Bridge will take effect from 7pm on Sunday 17th November 2024 Road resurfacing and new layout works will take place from 7pm on Saturday 16th November through to 7pm on Sunday 17th November Overnight weekend works will be carried out to minimise disruption to the busy town centre The key changes coming into effect from Sunday 17th November 2024 will be: “As public realm works near completion it is great to see the positive impact this significant investment has had to Banbridge Town Centre With new and improved pavements and footpaths feature lighting and street furniture this project has not only created a high-quality and better-connected streetscape it has strongly focused on improving safety and accessibility for all users to create a safer environment for everyone “The remaining works will introduce changes surrounding the Downshire bridge with priority for pedestrians as well as improving the junctions for vehicles and traffic flow across the bridge I understand it will take time to adjust to the new layout and I encourage everyone to embrace the changes recommended to improve this area and make it safer for everyone.” During the initial design stages of the public realm scheme extensive consultations were undertaken with a range of user groups including the Chamber of Commerce Guide Dogs UK and the Older People’s Alliance The Department for Infrastructure advised that the junction at The Cut should be improved to adhere to new guidance An audit was carried out by Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) which identified the junction as a particularly unfriendly environment for pedestrians who completed the audit report on Banbridge commented: “In our original report about the area around the bridge we described the layout as an unfriendly environment for most pedestrians but completely inaccessible for many disabled people The new road layout goes a long way to addressing these issues “The simple change of road priority requiring users of the bridge slip roads to give way immediately makes pedestrians crossing at junctions safer This coupled with two zebras providing pedestrians with priority crossing across Scarva Street and Rathfriland Street changes the nature of the bridge area completely giving a much greater priority to pedestrians in the area The improved sight lines and the reinstatement of kerbs coupled with the changes in road priority makes the entire area safer and more accessible for disabled people in particular.” New road layout signage will be in operation to make drivers and pedestrians aware of the changes and to remind them to approach with caution until users become familiar with the new road layout To find out more information about the public realm scheme and to view a video animation of the new road layout and changes coming into effect on Sunday 17th November 2024, please visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/banbridgepublicrealm eight of the top club hockey sides from across Ireland will descend on Havelock Park as they battle it out in the EY Champions Trophy Finals back-to-back EY Hockey League Champions Loreto face off against fellow Leinster side Old Alex in the first Semi-Final at 10:30am Loreto will hope they can better their silver medal last time out but will have to overcome an Old Alex side that are on the hunt for their first EY Champions Trophy Finals appearance and will be high on confidence following their 2-2 draw with Loreto in Round 18 of the EYHL and their 6-0 performance against Catholic Institute in the EY Champions Trophy Quarter Finals Railway Union face Ulster Elks in the second Women’s Semi-Final of the day at 12:30pm Defending Champions Railway Union will hope to become the first women’s side to win back-to-back EY Champions Trophies writing their names into the history books for a second time this season following their EHL win over Sumchanka which made them the first Irish Women’s side to record a win in the competition They meet Ulster Elks who are enjoying a statement season as they solidify themselves as a top side securing a third-place finish in the league in just their second season League champions Lisnagarvey face YMCA in the first of two Semi-Finals YMCA earned the right to face Lisnagarvey following an exceptional comeback in the final ten minutes of their Quarter Final clash with Monkstown They now face a Lisnagarvey side that has been the top side in the country this season scoring the most goals of any side and conceding the fewest The Ulster outfit will hope they can add another title to their collection this season and set up a potential treble Three Rock Rovers and Banbridge meet in the second Men’s Semi-Final and last match of the day Three Rock narrowly missed out on a league title on goal difference pushing Lisnagarvey until the final weekend for the destination of the title to be determined They face current back-to-back EY Champions Trophy holders Banbridge who stumbled in the latter stages of the league campaign but regained their footing to beat Avoca 6-0 in their Quarter Final The winners of each Semi-Final will progress to Sunday’s EY Champions Trophy Finals with the Women’s teams set to compete at 13:00 and the Men’s teams playing at 15:45 Both Finals will be available to watch live on YouTube Sport TG4 and Hockey Ireland TV Having secured their second league title in a row and a bronze medal in the EuroHockey Club Trophy in the last few weeks Loreto will enter the weekend as favourites to secure the EY Champions Trophy With just a single loss all season in the league and the third fewest conceded their record speaks for itself they won’t have it easy as they face an Old Alex side that seems to be hitting its peak at just the right time Alex secured their Semi-Final spot thanks to a comprehensive 6-0 win away from home against Catholic Institute Add to that their 2-2 draw against Loreto in Round 18 and you have yourself a very exciting match-up This time could well be won or lost in the opening quarter If Old Alex can deny Loreto’s attacking options opportunities and knab the opening goal like they did in Round 18 they could well cause an upset then it’s hard to see a way that any team can stop them Somewhat of a David versus Goliath story in this Semi-Final as current EY Champions Trophy holders Railway face an Ulster Elks side that is proving themselves to be one of the top side in only their second season in the topflight After recovering from a shaky start to the season recording an incredible unbeaten run across domestic competitions that stretches back to October of last year and has seen them secure second place in the league and of course their place in the EY Champions Trophy Finals While their cohort of Ireland Internationals are key to their success the players around them have been nothing short of exceptional this year with Emma Maloney topping the Goalkeeping charts and the likes of Lily Lloyd and Niamh Gowing proving most of their goals While their results through the season have been more mixed than Railway’s they have quietly been very effective all year The addition of Canadian internationals Anna Mollenhauer and Audrey Sawers added some additional experience to the side Two very different styles will likely come head-to-head in this one; Railway will look to limit their opponents attacking opportunities and punish mistakes quickly while Elks will throw the kitchen sink back at them using their pace and skill to try carve open the most resolute defence in the league League winners and European silver medalists Lisnagarvey face YMCA as they pursue a second trophy this season The Ulster side have been almost unstoppable all year with three players on double-digits for goals giving them the most ruthless attack in the league Add to that a defensive core that has conceded the second fewest goals thanks to the efforts of players like James Milliken and Peter McKibbin and you have a dangerous combination that is hard to compete with They face a YMCA side that has a penchant for the unpredictable The Leinster side have managed some superb results this year taking points off Banbridge and Three Rock but also dropping points to teams that finished below them like Avoca and Corinthian both times they faced Lisnagarvey they lost by just a single goal something that will no doubt give them confidence entering this match most recently booking their place in the Semi-Final with their win over Monkstown thanks to two goals in the final ten minutes An early goal for Lisnagarvey will be the best way to assert themselves on the game but if the game is in anyway close entering the final few minutes don’t be surprised if YMCA managed to score another late goal to force a shoot-out or even cause an upset Having finished below Lisnagarvey on goal difference an EY Hockey League title continues to evade Three Rock Rovers But the Leinster side still have the ultimate prize to fight for: the EY Champions Trophy and a place in Europe next season Three Rock have been almost faultless all season conceding the fewest goals and scoring the third most The return of Luke Madeley has been a key element of this the Ireland international added considerable experience to the backline with young keeper James Coffey excelling behind him But the prowess of Ben Johnson in front of goal has been the difference maker; 21 goals this season saw him top the scoring charts Banbridge meanwhile looked to be every bit as good as they were in 2023/24 when the season began Their late season faulter which saw them lose three in their last five threatened to derail them entirely as they entered the Quarter Finals but a confident 6-0 win over newly promoted Avoca has put them right back in the mix to secure a third EY Champions Trophy in a row Johnny McKee’s electric performance last weekend will no doubt have opposition on high alert Three Rock’s positive record over Banbridge this season 1 win and a bonus point loss stands them in good stead going into the tie the past is the past and it’s what you do in the here and now that matters in the EY Champions Trophy There was an overwhelming sense of pride at the ABC Senior Sports Awards on Friday 28 March when 150 guests gathered at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre to honour the A-list of the local sporting community and to celebrate their impressive achievements over the past year Organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum, with headline sponsor Rider Levett Bucknall the awards ceremony was a celebration of the individuals teams and clubs who have represented Northern Ireland Ulster and Ireland at European and world competitions The awards also recognise coaches and volunteers behind sporting successes at the highest level The wealth of sporting talent in the borough was once again front and centre on the night with 46 shortlisted nominees vying for an award across the 8 categories “Accomplishments in sport are often defining moments in the lives of the individual the team and the community and are treasured for a lifetime “Tonight is all about reflecting and recognising that we have a borough of sporting champions Whether it’s the volunteer or the coach who puts in hours behind the scenes the team who has had success during the year or the sporting individual who has achieved the most in their sport I am proud that these awards will truly showcase the exceptional talent and dedication in this borough.” The event was compered by U105’s Denise Watson with special guest Jonny Murphy (aka the ‘Hungry Hooker’) sharing his journey from professional rugby player to baking sensation The Awards presentations began with a Special Recognition Award presented local athletes Daniel Wiffen Mark Tumilty and Susie Berry who represented Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games The coveted Sportswoman of the Year Award went to European Fours Gold Medallist All-Ireland Champion with County Armagh Gaelic Athletic Association Oisin Conaty picked up the Sportsman of the Year Award Both Scott Cromie from Craigavon Boccia Club who won a gold medal at the Irish Championships and Jake Forrest from Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club who won 5 gold medals and a silver at Swim Ulster Galas received a Sports Person with a Disability Award The Banbridge Rugby Football Club’s Barbarians were awarded the Sports Team with a Disability Award Lurgan Coarse Angling Club’s Senior Team were winners of the Senior Team of the Year following their sterling display of consistency to be crowned World Club Feeder Runners Up The Club of the Year Award went to the proactive progressive and community focused Oxford Sunnyside Football Club Coaching duo Mark McKeown and Dermott Kerr received the Senior Coach of the Year Award for their success with the Armagh Athletic Club’s Senior Men’s Team Service to Sport Awards were presented to Joy Gowdy (Banbridge Golf Club) Joanne McCauley (Portadown Ladies Hockey Club) Valerie Matthews (Banbridge Netball Club) and Paul Cairns (Banbridge Rugby Football Club) Volunteer Awards were presented to James McMahon (Banbridge Cycling Club) Gregory Breen (High Moss Sarsfield Gaelic Football Club) Jimmy Boyle (St Paul’s Gaelic Football Club) Allister Campbell (Banbridge Rugby Football Club) Karen Graham (City of Armagh Rugby Football Club) and Simon Patterson (Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club) Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum Chairman Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council for the continued support in organising the awards along with new headline sponsor Rider Levett Bucknall and individual category sponsors including Campbell’s Eurospar Guests were also reminded about the Talented Athlete and Club Development Grants available with information available on the ABC Sports Forum website. Over fifty ladies from walking netball groups across Northern Ireland gathered at Banbridge Leisure Centre for on-the-court and off-the-court activities to celebrate International Women’s Day Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Sports Development Department and funded by Sport NI through the District Council’s Community Planning Investment Programme Banbridge Netball Club and Billy Stewart from the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Policing Community Safety Partnership (ABCPCSP) who spoke to the ladies about being vigilant for online scams financial safety and ‘in case of emergency’ cards The main event kicked off with a ‘shooter of the week’ challenge and warm-up activities before the competitions got into full swing between the ‘Jeth Throwers’ (Lurgan) the ‘Lilies of the Valley’ (Newtownabbey) and the ‘Bann Ballers’ (Banbridge) After some show-stopping skills and impressive competitive spirit Larne’s Nutty Netballers were crowned overall winners and awarded prizes sponsored by Netball NI Local team ‘Bann Ballers’ finished in second place and received some baked goods sponsored by Irwin’s Bakery Walking Netball has evolved from a growing demand for walking sports The inclusive nature of the game encourages those who have dropped out of the sport they love due to serious injury to those who believed they had hung up their netball trainers many years ago laughter and camaraderie throughout the social sessions are just as important as the health benefits from being active The ‘Bann Ballers’ netball group was established after a successful pilot as part of ABC Council’s Positive Aging Month campaign. The group meets every Friday at Banbridge Leisure Centre from 12.30 – 1.30pm. New members are always welcome! For more information please visit www.getactiveabc.com/walkingnetball Run Well’ event to highlight personal safety while running and the importance of good nutrition to support performance Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) along with Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Sports Development team and PSNI running is a hugely popular activity for people of all ages and abilities across the borough Each week hundreds of people join a running community to take on the local parkrun at Armagh Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage said: “One of the Council’s key goals is to create ‘a happy This event is an important step towards achieving that vision however personal safety while out running remains a real concern “Tonight’s event has been a great opportunity to raise awareness about staying safe and how to report issues and concerns The nutrition advice and tips will also go a long way to supporting people in their journey to lead fitter and healthier lives.” Representatives from Lurgan and Armagh Neighbourhood Policing teams and PSNI were on hand to offer advice and guidance on risk aversion Local World Triathlon Level 2 Coach and Advanced Sport Nutrition Advisor Diane Cordner shared tips and advice on the importance of a healthy balanced diet and its role in performance and recovery shared valuable insights into how to reduce injuries while running and how to support recovery Alderman Mark Baxter said: “It has been fantastic to welcome everyone along to this event I wish to extend a very special thank you to our guest speakers who delivered lots of key messages on the importance of staying safe and our local independent retailers and exhibitors who generously sponsored spot prizes.” The event was supported by local business including McKeever Sports Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that a £418,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme for the A26 Banbridge road Lurgan will commence on Tuesday 7 January 2025 The road will be closed on weekdays for resurfacing from Fair Winds to 13 Waringstown Road.  The scheme comprises in total resurfacing of 1.1 kilometres of carriageway “This is a substantial investment for the Lurgan area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users  The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.  I would like to thank residents and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.” To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement a weekday road closure operational daily from 09:30 to 16:30 from Tuesday 7 January 2025 to Friday 31 January 2025 a signed diversion will be via the A26 Waringstown Road The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience Access will be available to residents and emergency vehicles only Road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions the works will be substantially complete by Friday 31 January 2025 however the Department will keep the public informed of any change For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni Follow us on X formerly Twitter at @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn As the public realm works in Banbridge Town Centre continue; Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have agreed a two-week-period of free parking in all of its pay and display off-street car parks starting on Monday 19 August With the end of August being a prime time for the ‘Back to School’ trade Council has approved this initiative to support local businesses and thank shoppers of Banbridge for their co-operation throughout the public realm scheme which began in May 2023 and sees a major £6 million investment The Council has been working closely with businesses in the town centre in order to support and keep them updated on the progress of the public realm scheme with majority of the works currently being undertaken across the Downshire Bridge “We can really see the benefits of this major public realm investment in Banbridge come to fruition and with the recent successful Buskfest event held in the town centre it showcases the town centre as a place to visit “Having listened carefully to feedback from our local business community following engagement sessions and updates on planned works the Banbridge DEA members worked with officers to provide two weeks free off-street car parking and which all elected members fully supported With the public realm scheme nearing completion we want to say thank you to our local businesses for their continued support and to the local people please continue to shop local as it’s business as usual in Banbridge.” recently issued an update to the businesses in the town centre as works start to the northern side of Scarva Street commencing at the vacant building on the corner of Rathfriland Street and extending along Downshire Bridge “We want to thank the businesses in Banbridge for their support throughout the scheme of works The current phase of the works across ‘The Cut’ are potentially the most complex as it is such a busy and unique cross section for pedestrians and traffic We will continue to keep any disruption to a minimum with no traffic restrictions in place during the evenings or at weekends.” The free parking initiative will begin on Monday 19 August and continue through to Saturday 31 August Please note that this only applies to Council-owned pay and display off-street car parks and does not apply to on-street parking or parking owned or managed by other parties To find out more about the public realm scheme in Banbridge and the current phases of works, you can visit the Council’s website where a dedicated information page has been created: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/banbridgepublicrealm Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched a public consultation process aimed at gathering views on its proposed Performance Improvement Objectives for 2025-26 From Thursday 06 February to Thursday 03 April 2025 members of the public are invited to complete a short online survey to share their thoughts and opinions on the following proposed objectives: “Each year our council is required to set objectives for improving how it carries out its functions and to put in place arrangements to help promote sustainable and continuous improvements in its service delivery we are welcoming comments on our proposed Performance Improvement Objectives for 2025-26 it is important that as many members of the local community offer feedback on these proposed objectives to ensure they reflect those views and address the needs of customers residents and communities across the entire borough.” To complete the survey and view related documents for the proposed Performance Improvement Objectives before Thursday 03 April, click here Should you wish to receive the document in hard copy or an alternative format, please contact the council’s Performance Team on 0300 0300 900 or email (function(){var ml=".a0vuferhgkiodn4%pmcb",mi="A675C6@?217B198D1>D7;=96C71;913<>09*protected email* Councils throughout Northern Ireland celebrated as the ten award winners of the 2025 Local Government Awards were announced at an event hosted by Barra Best at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge last night (Thursday 27 March) Coordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) the awards ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the newly established councils and the evolving role of councillors who are vital in advocating and delivering for their communities and the wider region This year’s awards attracted 69 entries and were designed to celebrate the exceptional efforts of councils in their communities They highlighted the innovative service provision and the personal commitment of councillors The award categories focused on showcasing the dedication and creative approaches that local councils demonstrate daily while also creating opportunities for local government staff and elected members to shine Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council collected two awards on the night Food Heartland took home the award for ‘Best Outcome of the Past Decade Award.’ This council-led initiative connects farmers food producers and chefs across the borough to work collaboratively to foster a vibrant food culture and showcase the region’s exceptional culinary offerings promotes collaboration and integrates sustainability to strengthen civic pride enhance wellbeing and ensure long-term prosperity and resilience of our towns and cities won the ‘Innovative Planning for the Future Award.’ “Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve while also supporting broader government and civic initiatives Our councils undertake valuable work and dedicate time and resources to modernise and improve their areas for local communities as well as for wider government and civic society “The Local Government Awards are a testament to these services and provide benchmarks for broader government They offer fantastic learning tools for councils in an environment where every penny and resource counts which is evident in each of our ambitious and resourceful councils Congratulations to our winners and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and support the 2025 Local Government Awards.” Celebrating a “Decade of Achievement” for Northern Ireland’s councils Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said “Councils play a central role in delivering a wide range of services and in helping to develop and grow the local economy – making life better for all our citizens and working in partnership with central government to develop and deliver City and Growth Deals This has brought decision-making closer to local communities ensuring services are tailored to meet specific needs Local councils have also driven economic regeneration by partnering with businesses Initiatives like Labour Market Partnerships and the £1 billion investment in City and Growth Deals are creating jobs our unsung frontline heroes go above and beyond to deliver for their local communities The Local Government Awards highlight their commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and excellence in public services From maintaining beautiful parks and managing waste collection to attracting businesses and promoting arts it is a privilege to recognise the fantastic work that local councils do on the front lines.” with sponsor partners and support bodies including agendaNi the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) the Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC) the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) and the William Johnston Memorial Trust (WJMT) Also shortlisted for the awards were the Inclusive ABC Initiative (Local Government Equality Council-wide Quality Management System (Best Use of Data and Technology Award) and ABC Safeguarding Officer Click here for a full list of the winners. is set to open up its first ever outlet store in Co Down The new cosmetic shop is set to open its doors this week April 10 at The Boulevard shopping outlet in Banbridge The grand opening will be marked with a full weekend of beauty themed activities, including beauty demos, facials and the opportunity to shop for BPerfect products Makeup enthusiasts will also be treated to the travelling Skin Studio bus on the launch weekend it initially started as an eyebrow stencil business It also has a series of ambassadors made up of micro and macro influencers endorsing it as well as makeup artists Katie Daley and Louise McDonnell Starting off as a series of pop-up shops across the country BPerfect will join a roster of household names in the shopping outlet Nike and the recently opened French Connection Mr McDowell thanked “loyal customers” for the company’s recent success “Thanks to our loyal customers we have been able to open multiple new stores across the UK and Ireland in the past year “When looking for a location for our first outlet store The Boulevard was the perfect place that ticked all the boxes engaged customer base coming from both northern and southern Ireland as it is located on the main A1 motorway connecting Belfast and Dublin “We are thrilled to sit alongside so many household names and join an excellent scheme during its most successful time “We look forward to welcoming many new and existing customers through our doors on opening day and over the next six weeks.” Paul McCann labelled BPerfect as an “excellent example” of a local company excelling on the world stage “They have taken the beauty industry by storm and we are so delighted they’ve chosen The Boulevard as the location for their first ever outlet store,” said the manager “The Boulevard is home to many brand’s ‘firsts’ and that is a testament to our strong retail offering dedicated customer base and supportive onsite and agency teams “We look forward to welcoming BPerfect into The Boulevard family and wish them success with their new store.” voted the UK’s best rated ultra-rapid charging network by What Car opens a brand new 400kW charging hub in Banbridge This multimillion-pound investment adds to the already low number of ultra-rapid chargers in Northern Ireland Fastned’s brand new ultra-rapid (400kW) charging hub in Banbridge is now Northern Ireland’s fastest charging hub and the company’s first in the region Twelve charging bays will offer electric drivers up to 100 miles of charge in 5 minutes Fastned will open its second charging hub in Antrim later in March with a similar offering Fastned has invested over three million pounds in the purchase and development of the Banbridge and Antrim charging hubs identifying Northern Ireland as a key growth area due to increasing demand from EV drivers Currently ultra-rapid charging accounts for just 4.5% of the country’s network which totals only 687 chargers. Fastned is on a mission to accelerate the electric transition in the UK and Europe and to provide more choice for NI’s almost 23,000 electric drivers Fastned can expand even further in the region if it becomes faster to connect to the power grid But delays to rollout limit the charging options for existing EV drivers and reduce the confidence of other drivers in the EV transition Ultra-rapid charging hubs require high-capacity grid connections yet the time and process to secure these connections has created challenges for all charging providers A faster scale up of charging infrastructure is needed to meet the UK government’s target of 300,000 by 2030 and support the phase out of new petrol and diesel vehicles Northern Ireland is in desperate need of reliable ultra-rapid charging infrastructure that’s why we’re proud and excited to be opening our biggest and best charging hub in the UK This hub is not only a game-changer for Northern Ireland’s EV drivers but it marks our first step into the region We’re excited to see what’s next and to work with others to improve availability of charging infrastructure in the region The Electric Vehicle Association NI is delighted to welcome Fastned to the province with the opening of their new state-of-the-art facilities at Banbridge With a prime position on our strategic road network this hub will provide a super-fast boost for travellers on the route between Belfast and Dublin reliable charging infrastructure makes it even more convenient for electric vehicle drivers to travel far and wide Fastned’s Banbridge charging hub is located just off the A1 It is Fastned’s biggest charging hub in the UK and its first since 2019 in a drive-thru format which makes it quicker and easier for drivers to get to a charger This charging hub will be an important lifeline for EV drivers travelling to and from Belfast and towards Dublin Fastned now operates 31 charging hubs across its UK network About FastnedFastned is on a mission to accelerate the transition to electric mobility we’ve been at the forefront of European charging infrastructure development building and operating a rapidly growing network of iconic fast charging stations nature-inspired stations create a welcoming environment for drivers during the 20 minutes it takes to charge up to 300 miles of range we aim to inspire millions to drive on solar and wind energy so that together we can curb climate change Fastned is listed at Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: FAST) and is a certified B Corp Fastned opened the UK’s first ultra-rapid charging hub in Sunderland Its UK network spans from Cornwall to Fife and currently comprises 27 charging hubs Zapmap drivers voted Fastned the UK’s best ultra-rapid charging network for 2023 and 2024 and the best medium-sized ultra-rapid network for 2025.  A recent intergenerational project in Craigavon has successfully brought together young and older generations fostering a new and meaningful partnership between Eire Og Golden Years and Tullygally Primary School spanning six weeks of exciting and enriching activities aimed at encouraging interaction and building lasting connections across generations The programme featured a variety of engaging sessions These activities allowed participants to share experiences and cultivate strong bonds while having fun The initiative was designed to challenge the traditional boundaries between generations offering young children the chance to interact with older adults and gain wisdom and life experiences while providing older people with the joy of connecting with younger members of the community “The success of this intergenerational project highlights the power of community and the positive impact of bringing different age groups together,” commented Councillor Kyle Savage “The activities have not only provided fun and creativity but also created new friendships and fostered mutual understanding between the young and the elderly We are proud to support such initiatives that enrich our community and strengthen our social fabric.” The partnership between Eire Og Golden Years and Tullygally Primary School has set the stage for future collaboration with plans for similar projects in the works The programme was organised by the ABC Council’s Community Development department with funding from the Northern Ireland Executive’s ‘Together: Building a United Community’ (T:BUC) Strategy which is aimed at improving community relations.